This series focuses on the urchins of Santa Barbara, all of which are impacted by marine heatwaves (MHWs). MHWs are periods of unusually high seawater temperatures that are increasing in frequency, intensity, and duration. Often, MHWs correlate with mass urchin die offs due to diseases such as wasting and black spot. These diseases leave the urchins with shortening of spines and are often fatal. As a result, the urchins die and leave behind their calcium carbonate shells, otherwise known as tests. This photograph series highlights these tests, and show them ultimately in a new light.
The Urchins of Santa Barbara
looking through the madreporite
The urchins of Santa Barbara
The Red Sea Urchin, M. Franciscanus
The Purple Urchin, S. purpuratus
The White Sea Urchin, T. ventricosus
